The Way - Day 243 (Matthew 11)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 11:1-15
Have you ever experienced doubt and confusion as a result of some circumstance that took place in your life? We all have. Doubt is a natural result of our reasoning conflicting with reality...we have a different picture of how things should be. In this passage we get a glimpse of John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ and ultimately called people to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah (the One who would save people from their sin) through repentance. However, most people viewed the Messiah as someone who would set up this new kingdom in the current world and "clean up" the mess that had been made. It seems that John the Baptist viewed Jesus in the same light. He thought Jesus would establish a righteous kingdom ruled by goodness and truth, but he did not have the full understanding of the future kingdom. So, when John finds himself stuck in prison he found himself questioning Jesus' plans. This questioning should not be interpreted as rebellion or frustration with the person of God, but a struggle between what he thought should be happening and what was in reality happening. John sends two of his disciples to Jesus (11:2) and inquires if He is really the Coming One and Jesus responds to their inquiries by demonstrating many miracles in their presence (11:4-6). I find it amazing that Jesus didn't give them a straight answer but instead personally manifested His power to them. They obviously left with no doubt that Jesus was truly the Coming One. Jesus then turns to the people who were around Him and praises John for his faithfulness. Jesus did not condemn John for his confusion or doubt. I believe that God also understands when we doubt His purposes and plans in the circumstances of life. Our doubt should never turn to bitterness or rebellion, but should simply lead us to a greater understanding that God sees the beginning from the end. John only saw things from his perspective, but God knew that His only Son had to die in order to satisfy the punishment for sin. Where John only had a partial understanding of God's plan, we can look back and fully understand why God did what He did. Are you doubting God's purpose in some circumstance of your life? Maybe you'll never fully understand all the answers, but God sees the whole picture. Since you cannot make sense out of things, take comfort in the fact that there is Someone (God) working through every situation who understands everything.

Matthew 11:16-30
Have you ever been rejected? I'm sure in some way we've all experienced the pain of rejection. Jesus can truly identify with our pain. Jesus came to die and take away the sins of mankind through cruel torture on the cross; however, many people did not believe that He was the Chosen One. Matthew details the many people who rejected Jesus and the saddest commentary is that where He spent the most time and performed the most miracles were the people who rejected who He was (11:20-24). Judgment would be greater on those who witnessed the power of Christ, yet turned their back on His message. In response to this great rejection, Jesus praises His Father for giving Him those who were open and receptive of His message of repentance. The "religious crowd" denounced Jesus' message because they believed that salvation was resolved within themselves and their good works, but Jesus exposed the sinfulness off the human heart declaring that apart from Him there is no salvation. At the end of these verses Jesus says something that is so key...He extends an invitation to those who were weak, tired, and realized that their works were not getting them anywhere. Jesus says come to Me (11:28). Those who come to Him in humility recognizing that they don't have it all figured out and are broken because of their sin will be the ones whom Jesus will give rest...rest from their efforts to try to impress God. There is such a compassionate side to God's words where He is reaching out to those who are hurting and desire to put their life back together. Jesus wants us to come to Him, but we must first reach out in an attitude of humility. God rejects pride, but extends His mercy to the humble. The same invitation goes out to you...Go to God those who are weak and frustrated because of their sinful condition and He will provide rest...

Dear God, I accept your invitation for rest because I realize who I really am. Please provide mercy and grace so that I may bring honor to You.